Fuel interface modules and related systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Fuel interface modules that can be used in automotive vehicle fuel systems can include a body that defines a fuel channel and a plurality of ports through which fluid communication with the fuel channel can be established. Some modules include a check valve, a shutoff valve, and a coalescing filter assembly that are each coupled with a separate port. The fuel modules can be quickly installed and can eliminate many of the installing materials typically associated with automotive vehicle fuel systems.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S.Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/104,856 titled FUEL INTERFACEMODULES AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS, which was filed on May 20,2011. This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/332,985, titled FUELCONNECTOR INTERFACE FOR COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS CONVERSION KIT, which wasfiled on May 10, 201. The entire contents of these applications arehereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fuel systems and relatesmore particularly to fuel connector devices and systems for pressurizedgaseous fuels used in automotive vehicles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The written disclosure herein describes illustrative embodiments thatare non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to certain ofsuch illustrative embodiments that are depicted in the figures, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fuel interface modulecoupled with various controlling and analyzing components;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fuel interface module ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the fuel interfacemodule of FIG. 1 taken along the view line 3-3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the fuel interfacemodule of FIG. 1 taken along the view line 4-4 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fuel system that iscompatible with the fuel interface module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fuel interfacemodule; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the fuel interfacemodule of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed herein can be used in retrofitting an automotivevehicle (e.g., car, truck, or van) to operate on more than one fuelsource. For example, the automotive vehicle may originally be configuredto operate using a primary or original fuel source, such as a liquidsource of fuel (e.g., gasoline or diesel fuel), in its internalcombustion engine. Secondary fuel conversion kits can include addedcomponents that permit the vehicle to selectively use either theoriginal fuel source or a secondary or alternative fuel source, such asa gaseous source of fuel (e.g., compressed natural gas, propane, orhydrogen fuel) in the internal combustion engine.

Secondary fuel conversion kits typically include a number of mechanicaland electrical components that are used to control or direct the flow offuel within a fuel system, such as to direct the fuel to a storagecontainer or to deliver the fuel to the engine for combustion. A typicalapproach for installing an aftermarket secondary fuel system includesconnecting each device used in managing or monitoring fuel within thesystem separately or one at a time into a high-pressure fuel line. Suchfuel system components can include, for example, a secondary one-waycheck valve for a fueling inlet, a quarter-turn shutoff valve, acoalescing filter, a mechanical pressure gauge, and/or one or moreelectronic transducers for monitoring pressure and/or temperature. Whenadded to the fuel system in this manner, each fuel system component canrequire a plurality of (e.g., two or three) unions or joints so as toattach the component into the fuel line. Every point of attachment to alink of stainless steel tubing, a custom high-pressure hose, or anyother suitable high-pressure-fuel-line conduit can be a potential sourceof leakage from the fuel line. Additionally, the time required to makeeach attachment adds to the overall installation time of the system.Moreover, the system components may be mounted individually to thevehicle. For example, in some instances, each component may be attachedseparately at various positions along the frame rail and/or at othermounting positions. Such attachment procedures can require at least onemounting fastener (e.g., bolt) for each component, and the separatelymounted components can consume a large amount of space. The timerequired for securing each mounting fastener in place adds to theoverall installation time of the system. Consequently, knowninstallation processes can be time consuming and labor intensive, canincur material costs for all tubing, hoses, and mounting hardware used,and can provide systems that occupy a large area and that have numerouspotential leak points.

Certain embodiments can reduce or eliminate one or more of theshortcomings of traditional secondary fuel systems. For example, in someembodiments, a fuel interface module is provided that can fluidlyconnect multiple fuel system components to each other (see FIGS. 1 and5). Embodiments of the fuel interface module can eliminate multipleconnection points from a fuel line, can reduce the amount of fuel linematerials used, can be installed quickly with relatively few mountingfasteners, and/or can be compact so as to occupy relatively little spacewhen installed. Such features can be particularly desirable inaftermarket installations. One or more of the foregoing advantagesand/or other or further advantages will be apparent from the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an embodiment of a fuel interface module 100, whichmay also be referred to as a fuel module or as a connector interface.The fuel interface module 100 can include a housing or body 110, whichcan define a series of orifices or ports 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116,117, 118, 119. The body 110 can further define a fuel path or fuelchannel 120 that provides flow communication, or fluid communication,among the ports 111, 112, 113, 114, 116, 117, 118, 119 and between theports 114, 115, in the absence of any components being positioned inthese ports. The term “fluid” is a broad term that is used herein in itsordinary sense, and includes within its scope gases and/or liquids.Terms such as “fluidly connect” and “fluid communication” are also broadterms used in their ordinary sense, and include within their scopesituations where a fluid (i.e., a liquid or a gas) is capable of movingfrom one of the connected or communicating features to another, forexample, along a generally defined path.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel channel 120 is formed ofmultiple interconnected branches 131, 132, 133, 134, 135. The body 110can comprise any suitable material, which desirably can be capable ofwithstanding high pressures. The ports 111-119 and the fuel channel 120can be formed in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments,the body 110 comprises a single block of aluminum, and the ports 111-119and each of the branches 131-135 of the fuel channel 120 includemachined channels or pass-through bores through the aluminum block. Inother or further embodiments, at least portions of the body 110 and thechannels 131-135 may be die cast or formed in any other suitable manner.In some embodiments, one or more of the ports 111-119 can be threaded toany suitable SAE or ISO standard, which can facilitate direct attachmentof additional components to the body 110, as further discussed below.For example, in some embodiments, the ports 111-119 may comprisestraight threading, and may be attached a component via an O-ring orother suitable seal. These or any other suitable connection interfacesare possible for the ports 111-119.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an inlet port 111 can be configured toreceive therein at least a portion of an inlet fitting 141. The inletfitting 141 can be directly attached to the body 110 in any suitablemanner, such as via complementary threading (e.g., straight threading),so as to form a high-pressure, gas-tight seal with body 110. In someembodiments, an O-ring (not shown) may be provided between the fitting141 and the body 110 to assist in formation of the high-pressure,gas-tight seal, which is also true of other gas-tight seals discussedherein. The inlet fitting 141 can be rated for high-pressureapplications, and thus may be termed a high-pressure fitting. Otherfittings discussed herein may also be high-pressure fittings. As usedherein, the term “direct,” when used in conjunction with an attachment,connection, or coupling, refers to physical contact between components.Thus, although two components may be coupled with each other (e.g.,fluidly coupled to each other) through one or more intermediate pieces,such as tubing, such components would not be directly coupled to eachother where the intermediate pieces provide a physical separationbetween the components. On the other hand, the two components aredirectly coupled to each other when they are in direct physical contactwith each other.

As shown in FIG. 5, the inlet fitting 141 can be directly attached to afuel line 220. In particular, the inlet fitting 141 can be attached toan inlet branch of the fuel line 220, which may include a primary inletfueling nozzle 222. The primary inlet fueling nozzle 222 may include aone-way check valve and can be configured for selective attachment tothe connector of a fueling compressor for purposes of refueling a fuelstorage receptacle (e.g., a fuel cylinder or fuel tank 230—FIG. 5), asis known in the art. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 5, the fuelingnozzle 222 is directly connected to the inlet fitting 141. In otherembodiments, the fueling nozzle 222 may be connected to a length ofstainless steel tubing or other fuel line material, which may beconnected to the inlet fitting 141, as discussed further below.

With reference again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the inlet port 111 can furtherinclude therein a secondary one-way check valve 150. The one-way checkvalve 150 can act as a backup to the primary inlet fueling nozzle 222during fueling or thereafter, and can ensure that fuel does not escapefrom a fuel system 200 (FIG. 5) via the inlet port 111. Statedotherwise, the one-way check valve 150 is configured to permit fuel toenter into the fuel channel 120 defined by the body 110, such as forpurposes of providing fuel to a fuel storage receptacle (e.g., the fueltank 230), but is configured to prevent fuel from exiting from the body110 via the inlet port 111.

Any suitable arrangement is contemplated for the one-way check valve150. In the illustrated embodiment, the one-way check valve 150 includesa valve body 151 that includes ports therein and a spring 152 thatselectively seats the valve body 152 against a sealing member 153, suchas an O-ring. A distal end of the spring 152 can seat against a shelf orrim 154 that is defined by the body 110. In the illustrated embodiment,one or more spacers or spacing washers 154 are used to provide a desireddistance between the inlet fitting 141 and the valve body 152, which canensure that a gas-tight seal is formed with the sealing member 153 andthat the valve opens upon application thereto of a desired pressure. Thea proximal washer 154 can abut against a distal end of the inlet fitting141, and a distal washer 154 can abut against the sealing member 153.Other suitable arrangements of the one-way check valve 150 are alsopossible.

For example, in some embodiments, the piece that is identified as avalve body 151 in FIGS. 2 and 3 may instead act as a housing throughwhich fuel can enter. The housing can include therein a separate fuelbody, spring, and sealing member that act in the manner discussed abovewith respect to these like-named features. Additional spacing washers154 may be positioned beneath the housing/valve body 151, as desired.Examples of suitable check valves and check valve components that can beused for the one-way check valve 150 are available from Kepner ProductsCompany of Villa Park, Ill.

In certain embodiments, it can be desirable to position the check valve150 within the body 110. Such an arrangement can be far more robust thantraditional check valve assemblies that are directly attached to ahigh-pressure fuel line at either side thereof. For example, in theregion of the fuel interface module 100 that includes the check valve150, only one direct connection is made to a high-pressure fuel line(see FIG. 5), thus this sole connection is less susceptible to beingtorn apart or otherwise damaged. Moreover, the body 110 itself can bemore resistant to damage than other check valve assemblies, such as fromdirect hit thereto, and can provide a greater amount of reinforcingmaterial about the check valve 150.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a fuel storage port 112 canbe configured to receive therein at least a portion of a fuel storagefitting 142. The fitting 142 can be directly attached to the body 110 inany suitable manner, such as via complementary threading, so as to forma high-pressure, gas-tight seal with the body 110. As further discussedbelow, the fuel storage fitting 142 can be coupled with a fuel storagereceptacle, such as a fuel tank 230, via a branch of the fuel line 220(see FIG. 5).

In the illustrated embodiment, both the fuel storage port 112 and ashutoff valve port 113 can be configured to receive components of anisolation valve or shutoff valve 143. Stated otherwise, at least aportion of the shutoff valve 143 can be built into the body 110. In theillustrated embodiment, the shutoff valve 143 comprises a quarter-turnball valve. Other suitable valves are possible. The illustrated shutoffvalve 143 includes a valve body 161 that is received within the fuelstorage port 112. The valve body 161 defines a groove that receives aprotrusion defined by a distal end of the shaft 162 so as to therebyconnect to the shaft 162. The shaft 162 extends through the shutoffvalve port 113 into this position. The shaft 162 is also connected to ahandle 163 at its proximal end. The handle 163 is positioned at anexterior of the shutoff valve port 113. The valve body 161 thus can berotated via rotation of the handle 163.

The valve body 161 can have a bore that extends therethrough. The valvebody 161 can be compressed between two oppositely facing valve seats168, each of which defines a concavity that is shaped and sized toreceive a portion of the substantially spherical valve body 161. Thevalve seats 168 may be formed of any suitable material so as to form aseal with the valve body 161. For example, the valve seats 168 maycomprise Teflon® and the valve body may comprise stainless steel. Thevalve seats 168 may be held in place via one or more spacers 169.

In various embodiments, the body 110 can define one or more stops 164that are configured to limit rotation of the handle 163. For example, inthe illustrated embodiment, the handle 163 can be turned so as tocontact one of two stops 164, at which point the valve body 161 is in anopen configuration that permits fuel to flow from the fuel channel 120through the fuel storage fitting 142, or through the fuel storagefitting 142 into the fuel channel 120. The handle 163 can be turned onequarter turn (i.e., 90 degrees) so as to contact the other stop 164, atwhich point the valve body 161 is in a closed configuration so as toprevent fluid communication between the fuel channel 120 and the fuelstorage fitting 142.

In the illustrated embodiment, a shutoff valve fitting 165 retains asealing member 164 within the shutoff valve port 113, and each may bepositioned about the shaft 162. The sealing member 164 may compriseTeflon® or any other suitable material. The shutoff valve fitting 165can cooperate with the sealing member 164 to establish a high-pressure,gas-tight seal that prevents fuel from escaping from the body 110 viathe shutoff valve port 113. The sealing member 164, or one or morespacing washers 169 associated therewith, can seat against a shelf orrim 166 of the body 110. Similarly, one or more components associatedwith the valve body 161, such as a spacing washer 169 and/or a valveseat 168, can abut a shelf portion defined by the body 110.

In certain embodiments, it can be desirable to position portions of theshutoff valve 143 within the body 110. Such an arrangement can be farmore robust than traditional shutoff valve assemblies that are directlyattached to a high-pressure fuel line at either side thereof. Forexample, in the region of the fuel interface module 100 that includesthe shutoff valve 143, only one direct connection is made to ahigh-pressure fuel line (see FIG. 5), thus this sole connection is lesssusceptible to being torn apart or otherwise damaged. Moreover, the body110 itself can be more resistant to damage than other shutoff valveassemblies, such as from direct hit thereto, and can provide a greateramount of reinforcing material about the various components of theshutoff valve 143.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a filter port 114 can beconfigured to couple with a filter assembly 144, such as by receivingtherein at least a portion of a filter assembly 144. The filter assembly144 can comprise any suitable filtering system. In the illustratedembodiment, the filter assembly 144 comprises a coalescing filterassembly, which can be particularly well-suited for filtering oil fromcompressed natural gas, for example. Accordingly, the filter assembly144 may also be referred to as a coalescing filter assembly 144 herein.

In various embodiments, the coalescing filter assembly 144 can include afilter bowl 171, a filter element 172, and a nozzle 173. Any suitablecoalescing filter assembly 144 may be used with the fuel interfacemodule 100. The portion of the body 110 that defines the filter port 114can have any suitable connection interface for coupling with thecoalescing filter assembly 144. For example, the port 114 may bethreaded so as to complementarily engage the filter bowl 171. The filterbowl 171 can cooperate with the body 110 to provide a high-pressure,gas-tight seal that prevents fuel from escaping from the body 110 at thefilter port 114. In some embodiments, a sealing member 174, such as anO-ring, may assist in providing the high-pressure, gas-tight seal. Thefilter bowl 171 may comprise stainless steel or any other suitablematerial. In some embodiments, the filter bowl 171 may include flats 176to assist in tightening or loosening of the filter bowl 171.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the filter port 114 can include two openingsinto the fuel channel 120, each of which are defined by the body 110. Inparticular, the body 110 can define an opening 176 (also shown in FIG.4) into the branch 132 of the fuel channel 120 that is sized to receivea distal end of the nozzle 173. Additionally, the body 110 can define anopening 178 into the branch 133 of the fuel channel 120. Unfiltered fuelthus can flow from the branch 132 of the fuel channel 120 through theopening 176 of the body 110 and through the nozzle 173 of the coalescingfilter assembly 144 into the filter element 172. Fuel that has passedthrough the filter element 172 into the bowl 171 is diverted through theopening 178 of the body 110 into the branch 133 of the fuel channel 120.The coalescing filter assembly 144 thus can act as an extension of thefuel channel 120 that is defined by the body 110. Accordingly, when thecoalescing filter assembly 144 is coupled with the body 110, it may bestated that the fuel channel 120 provides fluid communication among allof the ports 111-119. In certain embodiments, it can be desirable forthe coalescing filter to be oriented vertically such that an open end ofthe bowl 171 faces upwardly and a closed end thereof faces downwardly.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, a fuel delivery port 115 can beconfigured to receive therein at least a portion of a fuel deliveryfitting 145. The fitting 145 can be directly attached to the body 110 inany suitable manner, such as via complementary threading, so as to forma high-pressure, gas-tight seal with the body 110. As further discussedbelow, the fuel delivery fitting 145 can be coupled with any suitabledevices within a fuel delivery branch of a fuel line 220, such as apressure regulator 240 (see FIG. 5).

FIG. 4 illustrates that analysis ports 116, 118 can be in fluidcommunication with the branches 134, 135 of the fuel channel 120,respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, an electronic transducer146 is directly attached to the body 110 at the analysis port 116, and amechanical or analogue pressure gauge 147 is directly attached to thebody 110 at the analysis port 117, as shown in FIG. 1. In someembodiments, the pressure gauge 147 can include straight threading bywhich it can be attached to the analysis port 117, and may furtherinclude an O-ring or other seal to assist in establishing a gas-tightseal with the body 110. Similar attachments may also be made betweenelectronic transducer 146 and the analysis port 116. In otherembodiments, one or more of the electronic transducer 146 and thepressure gauge 147 can be indirectly attached to the body 110. Forexample, a fitting may be positioned between the electronic transducer146 and the body 110 and/or between the pressure gauge 147 and the body.

The transducer 146 can be configured to provide electrical signals thatare representative of one or more of the pressure and temperature withinthe channel 120. The transducer 146 may be attached by electrical wireto any number of electronic devices of a vehicle such as, for example,devices located in the cab of the vehicle to provide the driver of thevehicle with the measurement of pressure in the fuel tank, the fuellevel, or the temperature of the fuel.

The pressure gauge 147 can be configured to provide an analogue readoutof the pressure within the fuel channel 120. The manual pressure gauge147 can provide a visual indication of the pressure in the fuel line.Thus, for example, a person working on a vehicle to which the fuelinterface module 100 is installed might turn off the shutoff valve 143and then turn the engine over to relieve the remaining pressure in theline and then visually check the pressure gauge 147 to ensure that theline is free of pressure prior to initiating repairs.

With further reference to FIG. 4, in the illustrated embodiment, each ofthe branches 134, 135 of the fuel channel 120 can be defined by apass-through bore that extends through the body 110. Additional analysisports 118, 119 may be formed opposite the analysis ports 116, 117, atthe opposing ends of the branches 134, 135. In the illustratedembodiment, the ports 118, 119 are provided with plugs 180, 181,respectively. Each plug provides a high-pressure gas-tight seal with thebody 110. In some embodiments, the plugs 180, 181 may occupy theanalysis ports 116, 117, and the transducer 146 and the pressure gauge147 can occupy the analysis ports 118, 119. Such reversibility of theports analysis ports 116, 117 and the analysis ports 118, 119 mayadvantageously permit embodiments of the fuel interface module 100 toachieve a desired forward/rearward direction, regardless of the side ofa vehicle to which the fuel interface module 100 is mounted. Forexample, whichever side of the fuel interface module 100 includes theplugs 180, 181 can be positioned toward or against mounting surface,such as a frame rail, and the transducer 146 and the pressure gauge 147can extend away from the mounting surface.

With reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the body 110 can define one or moremounting channels 190, 191, which may be pass-through bores that extendthrough the body 110. With reference to FIG. 5, any suitable mountingfasteners 192, 193 can be inserted through the mounting channels 190,191 so as to fix the fuel interface module 100 to an automotive vehicle.In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting fasteners 192, 193 arebolts, and the fuel interface module 100 is attached to a fuel rail 210of the vehicle.

FIG. 5 illustrates a secondary fuel system 200 that is configured tooperate with an internal combustion engine 250 of an automotive vehicle.As just discussed, the fuel interface module 100 can be attached to thevehicle in any suitable position and in any suitable manner. In someembodiments, it can be desirable for the fuel interface module 100 to beattached to an interior side of the fuel rail 210, which may serve as abarrier in the event of a collision. Moreover, in some arrangements, itmay be desirable for the fuel delivery fitting 145 to face forwardly soas to be closer to the engine 250 and for the fuel storage fitting 142to face rearwardly so as to be closer to the fuel canister or fuel tank230. Such an arrangement can reduce an amount of fuel line material 224that is used for the fuel line 220. The fuel line material 224 can be ofany suitable variety, such as, for example, metal tubing, high-pressuretubing, or the like. Additionally, as previously noted, it may bedesirable for the fuel interface module 100 to be oriented such that theclosed end of the filter bowl 171 faces downwardly.

As previously mentioned, the inlet fitting 141 can be directly attachedto the inlet fueling nozzle 222, as shown, so as to form high-pressure,gas-tight seal therewith. In other embodiments, the inlet fueling nozzle222 can be spaced from the fuel interface module 100, for example, byseveral feet of fuel line material 224 (e.g., stainless steel tubing).The fueling nozzle 222 may be mounted at any suitable location that maybe readily accessed by a user, such as within the fuel door cover orbeneath the hood. In such instances, the inlet fitting 141 can beattached and sealed (e.g., via a high-pressure, gas-tight seal) to thefuel line material 224, either directly or via any suitable connector.

The fuel storage fitting 142 can be coupled with a fuel tank 230 via alength of fuel line material 224 that defines a fuel storage branch ofthe fuel line 220. For example, the storage fitting 142 may be directlyattached and sealed to the fuel line material 224, or may be attachedand sealed to the fuel line material 224 via any suitable connector 226.Similarly, the fuel delivery fitting 145 can be coupled with anysuitable fuel delivery device, such as a pressure reducer or pressureregulator 240 and/or a fuel rail and fuel injectors (not shown) that arecoupled with an intake manifold of the engine 250. The fuel deliveryfitting 145 may be directly attached and sealed to a length of fuel linematerial 224 that defines at least a portion of a fuel delivery branchof the fuel line 220, or the fuel delivery fitting 145 may be attachedand sealed to the fuel line material 224 via any suitable connector 226.As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the fuel interface module 100is configured to be positioned within the high-pressure portion of thefuel line 220. Additionally, each position at which the fuel interfacemodule 100 is connected to the fuel line 220 may be referred to as aconnection point. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the fuelinterface module 100 is connected to the fuel line 220 at threeconnection points, each of which provides a high-pressure, gas-tightseal. In various embodiments, the fuel interface module 100 can beconfigured for connection with a high-pressure fuel line 220 at nogreater than two or no greater than three connection points, dependingon the number of input and output ports it contains, which can depend,for example, on whether one or more of the valves 143, 150 are present.

The electronic transducer 146 can be electrically coupled with anelectronic control module 260 or other suitable controller or processorvia any suitable wiring 262. The fuel interface module 100 can bemounted such that the analogue pressure gauge 147 is readily viewable,such as, for example, when the vehicle is hoisted on an automotive lift.

It is noted that the coalescing filter assembly 144 may be used toremove oil from a gaseous fuel before the fuel goes into the pressureregulator 240 and/or injectors of the engine 250. Presence of oil in thegaseous fuel can foul the pressure regulator 240 and injectors of theengine 250, which could require that these relatively expensivecomponents be replaced. A common reason that oil is found within agaseous fuel such as natural gas for use in a vehicle is that fuelingstations compress the gaseous fuel using reciprocating motors. Thereciprocating motors typically run at relatively high speeds (e.g.,about 1,000 rpm). These reciprocating motors usually include rings andoil within compressions chambers of the motor to reduce wear fromfriction induced by running at the relatively high speeds. As the ringswear, some oil may blow by the piston rings into the compressionchamber, and this oil is introduced into to the gaseous fuel. Thecoalescing filter assembly 144 can remove this oil from the fuel.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5, illustrative methods of using the fuelinterface module 100 will now be described. The shutoff valve 143 can beturned to an open configuration so as to provide fluid communicationbetween the fuel channel 120 and the fuel storage fitting 142. Theprimary inlet fueling nozzle 222 can be coupled with a fuel source (notshown) and fuel can be introduced into the fuel channel 120 of the body110. The fuel can progress through the open shutoff valve 143, throughthe fuel storage branch of the fuel line 220, and into the fuel storagetank 230. Fuel is represented by the reference numeral 232 in FIG. 5.During fueling, some of the fuel 232 may progress through the coalescingfilter assembly 144 and down the fuel delivery branch of the fuel line220, but may be stopped by pressure regulator 240 and/or ultimately theclosed fuel injectors (not shown). During operation of the engine 250,fuel 232 can progress from the storage tank 230 into the fuel channel120, can pass through the coalescing filter assembly 144, and canprogress through the fuel delivery branch of the fuel line 220 so as toinjected into the engine 250. The shutoff valve 143 can be closed whendesired, such as when the primary fuel (e.g., gasoline) is used, whenmaintenance or repair is being performed on the vehicle, or in the eventof a leak or accident.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing disclosure, multiple componentscan be in simultaneous fluid communication with fuel 232 that is withinthe fuel channel 120. For example, each of the secondary check valve150, the shutoff valve 143, the coalescing filter assembly 144, theelectronic transducer 146, and the analogue pressure gauge 147 can be insimultaneous fluid communication with fuel 232 that is within the fuelchannel 120, and may simultaneously control or analyze the fuel 232.“Controlling” the fuel can include directing movement of the fuel and/oraltering the fuel in some manner, such as by permitting or blockingpassage of the fuel (e.g., via the check valve 150 or the shutoff valve143) or by filtering the fuel (e.g., via the coalescing filter), and“analyzing” the fuel can include assessing, testing, probing, or testingthe fuel (e.g., via the electronic transducer 146 or the pressure gauge147). The five components just discussed, or any combination thereof,thus may be referred to herein as “fuel controlling or analyzingcomponents.”

It may also be stated that at least some fuel 232 can be permitted toflow between or among any combination of fuel controlling or analyzingcomponents that are coupled to the body 110 without passing through anyfittings, or without passing through any more than one, two, three,four, or five fittings. Stated otherwise, at least some fuel 232 can bepermitted to flow between or among any combination of fuel controllingor analyzing components that are coupled to the body 110 without passingthrough any gas-tight seals, or without passing through any more thanone, two, three, four, or five gas-tight seals. It may also be statedthat at least some fuel 232 that is introduced into the fuel channel 120can interact with (e.g., pass through, pass by, or directly contact) nofewer than one, two, three, four, or five fuel controlling or analyzingcomponents before exiting the fuel channel 120. Stated otherwise, atleast some fuel 232 that is permitted into the fuel channel 120 caninteract with no fewer than one, two, three, four, or five fuelcontrolling or analyzing components before passing through no more thanone, two, three, four, or five fittings or gas-tight seals. Stated inyet another manner, fuel that is permitted to enter the fuel interfacemodule 100 through a fitting or a gas-tight seal can interact with nofewer than two fuel controlling or analyzing components without passingthrough any more than one additional fitting or gas-tight seal; caninteract with no fewer than three fuel controlling or analyzingcomponents without passing through any more than one or two additionalfittings or gas-tight seals; can interact with no fewer than four fuelcontrolling or analyzing components without passing through any morethan one, two, or three additional fittings or gas-tight seals; or caninteract with no fewer than four fuel controlling or analyzingcomponents without passing through any more than one, two, three, orfour additional fittings or gas-tight seals.

As previously discussed, the body 110 can define the fuel channel 120,which can be devoid of fuel line conduit material, such as tubing orhoses. For example, the body 110 can be formed of a unitary piece ofmaterial and the channel 120 can be defined by bored out portions of thepiece of material. Accordingly, it may also be stated that at least somefuel 232 can be permitted to flow between or among any combination offuel controlling or analyzing components that are coupled to the body110 without passing through any fuel line conduit material. It may alsobe stated that at least some fuel 232 that is introduced into the fuelinterface module 100 can interact with (e.g., pass through, pass by, ordirectly contact) no fewer than one, two, three, four, or five fuelcontrolling or analyzing components without passing through any fuelline conduit material and/or without passing through any connectionpoints at which the fuel interface module 100 is connected to the fuelline 220.

Illustrative examples of situations such as those just described are asfollows. As previously discussed, fuel 232 can enter into the body 110through the inlet fitting 141, and thus through the gas-tight seal bywhich the fitting 141 is joined to the body 110. Thereafter, the fuel232 can progress through the one-way valve 150 into the fuel channel120. Once within the fuel channel 120, a portion or portions of the fuel232 can flow to the shutoff valve 144, where the fuel can then either beblocked by the valve body 161 or permitted to pass therethrough; canflow to the electronic transducer 146, where the fuel can contact asensing portion thereof so that a property (e.g., pressure and/ortemperature) of the fuel can be assessed thereby; can flow to theanalogue pressure gauge 147, where the fuel can contact a sensingportion thereof so that the pressure of the fuel can be assessedthereby; and/or can flow to the coalescing filter assembly 144, whereoil and/or other impurities in the fuel can be removed. As previouslydiscussed, fuel 232 that has passed through the shutoff valve 144 canproceed through the fuel storage fitting 142, and thus likewise canproceed through the gas-tight seal by which the fitting 142 is joined tothe body 110. It is also noted that after fuel 232 has passed throughthe coalescing filter assembly 144, the fuel 232 can exit the fuelchannel 120 through the fuel delivery fitting 145, and thus through thegas-tight seal by which the fitting 145 is joined to the body 110.

Similarly, as previously discussed, fuel 232 can enter into the body 110from the fuel tank 230 through the fuel storage fitting 142. Thereafter,the fuel 232 can progress through the shutoff valve 143 into the fuelchannel 120. Once within the fuel channel 120, a portion or portions ofthe fuel 232 can flow to the one-way valve 150, where the fuel can beblocked by the valve body 151; can flow to the electronic transducer146, where the fuel can contact a sensing portion thereof so that aproperty (e.g., pressure and/or temperature) of the fuel can be assessedthereby; can flow to the analogue pressure gauge 147, where the fuel cancontact a sensing portion thereof so that the pressure of the fuel canbe assessed thereby; and/or can flow to the coalescing filter assembly144, where oil and/or other impurities in the fuel can be removed.

As previously discussed, the fuel interface module 100 can be configuredto withstand high pressures without leaking, and moreover, can provide alimited number of connection points to the fuel line 220 at whichleaking would even be a possibility. In certain embodiments, the fuelinterface module 100 can be configured to withstand pressures typicallyassociated with compressed natural gas, such as pressures of up to about3,000, 3,600, 4,000, or 5,000 psi. In some embodiments, the fuelinterface module 100 can be configured to withstand much greaterpressures without failing, such as up to about 10,000, 15,000, 20,000,25,000, or 30,000 psi.

As previously discussed, attaching the fuel interface module 100 to avehicle can greatly reduce installation times, since multiple componentscan be attached to the vehicle simply by attaching the body 110 to thevehicle. It may be stated that two or more, three or more, four or more,or five or more fuel controlling and analyzing components can beattached to the vehicle simultaneously by attaching the body 110 to thevehicle. For example, the controlling components (the check valve 150,the shutoff valve 143, and the coalescing filter assembly 144) can besimultaneously attached to the vehicle in this manner. Moreover, wherethe electronic transducer 146 and/or the pressure gauge 147 are attachedto the body 110 prior to installation of the fuel interface module 100,these analyzing components also can be simultaneously attached to thevehicle along with the check valve 150, the shutoff valve 143, and thecoalescing filter assembly 144.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another embodiment of a fuel interface module300. The fuel interface module 300, and components thereof, can resemblethe fuel interface module 100, and components thereof, described abovein certain respects. Accordingly, like features are designated with likereference numerals, with the leading digits incremented to “3.” Relevantdisclosure set forth above regarding similarly identified features thusmay not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific features of the fuelinterface module 300 may not be shown or identified by a referencenumeral in the drawings or specifically discussed in the writtendescription that follows. However, such features may clearly be thesame, or substantially the same, as features depicted in otherembodiments and/or described with respect to such embodiments.Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply equally tothe features of the fuel interface module 300. Any suitable combinationof the features and variations of the same described with respect to thefuel interface module 100 can be employed with the fuel interface module300, and vice versa.

As with the fuel interface module 100 discussed above, the fuelinterface module 300 can be configured for use in a fuel line between apressure regulator, a fuel tank, and a fuel fill nozzle. As discussedhereafter, the fuel interface module 300 an include a housing having aplurality of orifices, first, second and third fittings mounted to thehousing, a one-way check valve mounted to the housing, a filter assemblymounted to the housing, and an adjustable valve mounted to the housing.The filter assembly may include a filter bowl and a coalescing filter.The adjustable valve may be a quarter turn valve that is operable tocontrol flow through the second fitting. The first, second and thirdfittings may be high-pressure rated fittings. At least two of theorifices of the housing may be configured as pass-through bores throughthe housing.

The fuel interface module 300 can include a housing or body 310, whichcan define a series of orifices or ports 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316,317, 385. The body 310 can further define a fuel path or fuel channel320 that provides fluid communication among the ports 311-317. In theillustrated embodiment, the fuel channel 320 is formed of multipleinterconnected branches 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336. A cross-overbranch 336 can extend vertically so as to join an upper branch 331 to alower branch 332. The cross-over branch 336 may be formed in anysuitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-over branch336 is formed by machining a bore through the bottom face of the body310. Further machining may yield the lower port 385, which can either besealed with a plug 386 or occupied by any desired controlling oranalyzing component.

The port 311 can be a fuel inlet port, such as the fuel inlet port 111discussed above, and can be coupled with a fuel inlet fitting 341.Similarly, the port 312 can be a fuel storage port, such as the fuelstorage port 112 discussed above, and can be coupled with a fuel storagefitting 342. The fittings 341, 342 can be positioned at the same side ofthe body 310 (e.g., a rearward side, as determined from an orientationof the fuel interface module 300 when it is coupled with a vehicle).Accordingly, an upper side of the body 310 can be devoid of ports.

The body 310 can define a plurality of mounting channels 396, 397, 398,399 that extend from the upper face toward the lower face of the body310. In some embodiments, the mounting channels 396, 397, 398, 399extend only a small distance through the body 310, whereas in otherembodiments (such as the illustrated embodiment), the mounting channelsmay extend through the lower face of the body 310. Additionally, thebody 310 can define a plurality of mounting channels 390, 391 thatextend between the two side faces of the body 310 in a manner such asthe mounting channels 190, 191 discussed above. Any suitable mountinghardware or mounting fasteners can be positioned in any of the mountingchannels 390, 391, 396, 397, 398, 399, or in any suitable combinationthereof, so as to mount the fuel interface module 300 to a vehicle. Suchan arrangement can provide for a greater number of mounting options forthe fuel interface module 300 and/or can provide for a more secureattachment of the fuel interface module 300 to a vehicle. For example, aside face of the body 310 can be positioned against a frame rail orother suitable structure of an automotive vehicle, or that is mounted tothe vehicle (e.g., a mounting bracket), and the body 310 can be securedthereto. In other or further instances, the upper face of the body 310can be positioned against any suitable structure of the vehicle, or anysuitable structure that is mounted to the vehicle, and the body 310 canbe secured thereto.

Embodiments of the fuel interface module 300 can also be more compactthan the illustrated fuel interface module 100, and thus may be bettersuited for certain applications that have more limited space. Forexample, in some instances, the illustrated fuel interface module 100may be used with trucks, whereas the illustrated fuel interface module300 may be used with cars.

Embodiments of the fuel interface modules 100, 300 may include more orfewer features than those depicted in the drawings. For example, someembodiments may not include one or more of a check valve 150, a shutoffvalve 143, coalescing filter assembly 144, a pressure transducer 146,and a pressure gauge 147. The fuel interface modules 100, 300 may thusinclude fewer ports. In those embodiments that do not include a filterport 114, the fuel channel 120 can fluidly connect all of the ports thatare defined by the body 110 (i.e., a coalescing filter assembly 144 isnot used to form a branch of the fuel channel 120). In otherembodiments, the fuel interface modules 100, 300 may include more portsfor use with additional controlling or analyzing components. The bodies110, 310 may define more or fewer mounting channels.

In certain embodiments, a fuel interface module 100 (or 300) can beprovided as part of a kit. The kit can include a body 110 (or 310), andcan further include one or more of a check valve 150, a fuel inletfitting 141 (or 341), a fuel storage fitting 142 (or 342), a shutoffvalve 143, a coalescing filter assembly 144, a fuel delivery fitting145, an electronic transducer 146, an analogue pressure gauge 147, andone or more plugs 180, 181, 386, each of which may be providedseparately from the body 110 (or 310) or which may be pre-assembledtherein. The kit may further include mounting hardware (e.g., mountingfasteners), a fueling nozzle 222, and/or one or more connectors and/orlengths of fuel line material, such as tubing and/or hoses.

Although much of the foregoing disclosure is discussed in the context ofretrofitting a vehicle with a secondary fuel system, it should beappreciated that embodiments may be used as original features of afactory-produced vehicle. For example, the fuel system 200 may be usedas a primary fuel system, rather than as a secondary fuel system. Anysuitable use of the apparatus, assemblies, systems, and methodsdiscussed herein is contemplated.

Any methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions forperforming the described method. The method steps and/or actions may beinterchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific orderof steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment,the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified.

References to approximations are made throughout this specification,such as by use of one or more of the terms “about,” “approximately,”“substantially,” and “generally.” For each such reference, it is to beunderstood that, in some embodiments, the value, feature, orcharacteristic may be specified without approximation. For example,where such a qualifier is used, the terms includes within its scope thequalified word in the absence of the qualifier.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “theembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed in connection with that embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recitedthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment. Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the abovedescription of embodiments, various features are sometimes groupedtogether in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure,however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that anyclaim require more features than those expressly recited in that claim.Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in acombination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosedembodiment.

The claims following this written disclosure are hereby expresslyincorporated into the present written disclosure, with each claimstanding on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includesall permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims.Moreover, additional embodiments capable of derivation from theindependent and dependent claims that follow are also expresslyincorporated into the present written description. These additionalembodiments are determined by replacing the dependency of a givendependent claim with the phrase “any of the preceding claims up to andincluding claim [x],” where the bracketed term “[x]” is replaced withthe number of the most recently recited independent claim. For example,for the first claim set that begins with independent claim 1, claim 3can depend from either of claims 1 and 2, with these separatedependencies yielding two distinct embodiments; claim 4 can depend fromany one of claim 1, 2, or 3, with these separate dependencies yieldingthree distinct embodiments; and so on.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in thespecification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least oneof.” In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,”as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with andhave the same meaning as the word “comprising.” Recitation in the claimsof the term “first” with respect to a feature or element does notnecessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such featureor element. Elements specifically recited in means-plus-function format,if any, are intended to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112 ¶6. Embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows.

1. A fuel interface module comprising: a single body comprising asingle, unitary material, wherein the body comprises a fuel inlet port,a fuel storage port, a fuel outlet port, and a fuel channel at aninterior of the body that connects each port to the other ports; a checkvalve directly coupled with the fuel inlet port, wherein the check valveis configured to permit a gaseous fuel to be introduced into the fuelchannel via the fuel inlet port and is configured to prevent the gaseousfuel from exiting the fuel channel via the fuel inlet port; and ashutoff valve directly coupled with the body, wherein the shutoff valveis configured to transition between an open orientation and a closedorientation, wherein when the shutoff valve is in the open orientation,it is configured to permit a gaseous fuel to flow from the fuel channelthrough the fuel storage port so as to fill a fuel tank or to permit agaseous fuel from a fuel tank to flow through the fuel storage port intothe fuel channel for subsequent delivery to a pressure regulator, andwherein when the shutoff valve is in the closed orientation, it isconfigured to prevent a gaseous fuel from flowing through the fuelstorage port; wherein the fuel storage port is configured to beindirectly coupled with a fuel tank such that an entirety of the fuelinterface module is spaced from the fuel tank and is at an exterior ofthe fuel tank when the fuel storage port is in fluid communication withthe fuel tank.
 2. The fuel interface module of claim 1, wherein the fuelinterface module is configured to permit gaseous fuel to flow within thefuel channel, without passing through any fittings, between or among aplurality of fuel controlling or analyzing components including thecheck valve and the shutoff valve.
 3. The fuel interface module of claim1, wherein at least a portion of the fuel channel is defined by a borethat extends through at least a portion of the body.
 4. The fuelinterface module of claim 3, wherein the bore extends through opposingsides of the body and a port is positioned at each end of the bore,wherein each port is configured to be coupled with either of a plug anda controlling or analyzing component, and wherein the plug that seals anend of the bore can be moved to an opposite end of the bore such thatthe fuel interface module is reversible.
 5. The fuel interface module ofclaim 1, further comprising a filter port and a coalescing filterassembly directly coupled with the filter port, wherein the coalescingfilter assembly is positioned and configured to filter oil from agaseous fuel that is received into the fuel channel.
 6. The fuelinterface module of claim 5, wherein the coalescing filter assemblycomprises a bowl coupled directly to the body.
 7. The fuel interfacemodule of claim 6, wherein the coalescing filter assembly furthercomprises a nozzle coupled with the body and a filter element positionedbetween the nozzle and the bowl.
 8. The fuel interface module of claim1, wherein at least a portion of the check valve is at an interior ofthe body.
 9. The fuel interface module of claim 1, wherein the shutoffvalve comprises a handle that is accessible at an exterior of the bodyso as to permit manipulation of portions of the valve that arepositioned at an interior of the body.
 10. The fuel interface module ofclaim 9, wherein the body defines one or more stops that are configuredto cooperate with the handle to restrict movement of the shutoff valvebetween the open orientation and the closed orientation.
 11. A fuelinterface module for indirect coupling with a fuel tank and for indirectcoupling with a pressure regulator, the fuel interface modulecomprising: a single body comprising a single, unitary material, thebody comprising a fuel inlet port, a fuel storage port, a filter port, afuel outlet port, and a fuel channel that connects each port to theother ports, wherein the fuel channel comprises a longitudinal sectionbetween a first end of the body and a second end of the body, whereinthe fuel channel comprises branches extending from the longitudinalsection; a check valve directly coupled with the fuel inlet port,wherein the check valve is configured to permit a gaseous fuel to beintroduced into the fuel channel via the fuel inlet port and isconfigured to prevent the gaseous fuel from exiting the fuel channel viathe fuel inlet port; a shutoff valve directly coupled with the body,wherein the shutoff valve is configured to transition between an openorientation and a closed orientation, wherein when the shutoff valve isin the open orientation, it is configured to permit a gaseous fuel toflow from the fuel channel through the fuel storage port so as to fill afuel tank or to permit a gaseous fuel from a fuel tank to flow throughthe fuel storage port into the fuel channel for subsequent delivery to apressure regulator, and wherein when the shutoff valve is in the closedorientation, it is configured to prevent a gaseous fuel from flowingthrough the fuel storage port; and a coalescing filter assembly directlycoupled with the filter port, wherein the coalescing filter assembly isconfigured to filter oil from a gaseous fuel that is received into thefuel channel; wherein the fuel storage port is at the first end of thebody and the fuel delivery port is at the second end of the body,wherein the longitudinal section of the fuel channel extends through thebody between the fuel storage port and the fuel delivery port; andwherein the fuel interface module is configured such that gaseous fuelenters the body via the fuel storage port, travels through the body viathe fuel channel without leaving the fuel channel other than passingthrough the coalescing filter assembly, and exits via the fuel deliveryport.
 12. The fuel interface module of claim 11, wherein the fuelstorage port is configured to be indirectly coupled with a fuel tanksuch that an entirety of the fuel interface module is spaced from thefuel tank and is at an exterior of the fuel tank when the fuel storageport is in fluid communication with the fuel tank.
 13. The fuelinterface module of claim 11, wherein the fuel interface module isconfigured to permit gaseous fuel to flow within the fuel channel,without passing through any fittings, between or among a plurality offuel controlling or analyzing components including the check valve, theshutoff valve, and the coalescing filter assembly.
 14. The fuelinterface module of claim 11, wherein the filter port and the coalescingfilter assembly are spaced from the fuel storage port such that afterfuel enters the body via the fuel storage fitting, the fuel passesthrough the shutoff valve prior to passing through the coalescing filterassembly.
 15. The fuel interface module of claim 11, wherein each portis positioned at an end of one of the branches or an end of thelongitudinal section.
 16. The fuel interface module of claim 11, whereineach branch of the fuel channel extends transversely through at least aportion of the body.
 17. The fuel interface module of claim 11, whereineach branch extends through opposing sides of the body and each port ispositioned at an end of one of the branches, wherein each port isconfigured to be coupled with either of a plug and a controlling oranalyzing component, and wherein the plug that seals an end of thebranch can be moved to an opposite end of the branch such that the fuelinterface module is reversible.
 18. A fuel interface module for indirectcoupling with a fuel tank and for indirect coupling with a pressureregulator, the fuel interface module comprising a body that comprises afuel inlet port, a fuel storage port, a filter port, a fuel outlet port,and a fuel channel that connects each port to the other ports; a checkvalve directly coupled with the fuel inlet port, wherein the check valvepermits a gaseous fuel to be introduced into the fuel channel via thefuel inlet port and prevents a gaseous fuel from exiting the fuelchannel via the fuel inlet port; a shutoff valve directly coupled withthe body, wherein the shutoff valve transitions between an openorientation and a closed orientation, wherein when the shutoff valve isin the open orientation a gaseous fuel is permitted to flow from thefuel channel through the fuel storage port so as to fill a fuel tank ora gaseous fuel is permitted to flow from a fuel tank through the fuelstorage port into the fuel channel for subsequent delivery to a pressureregulator, and wherein when the shutoff valve is in the closedorientation a gaseous fuel is prevented from flowing through the fuelstorage port; a coalescing filter assembly directly coupled with thefilter port, wherein the coalescing filter assembly filters oil from agaseous fuel passing through the fuel channel; a fuel storage fittingdirectly coupled with the fuel storage port, wherein the fuel storagefitting is configured to be directly coupled with a first portion of afuel line that is coupled a fuel tank such that an entirety of the fuelinterface module is spaced from the fuel tank and is at an exterior ofthe fuel tank when the fuel storage port is in fluid communication withthe fuel tank; and a fuel delivery fitting directly coupled with thefuel delivery port, wherein the fuel delivery fitting is configured tobe directly coupled with a second portion of a fuel line that is coupledwith a pressure regulator when the fuel delivery port is in fluidcommunication with the pressure regulator; and wherein the fuelinterface module permits fluid communication from a fuel tank to apressure regulator when the fuel storage fitting is coupled with a firstportion of a fuel line, when the fuel delivery fitting is coupled with asecond portion of a fuel line, and when the shutoff valve is in the openorientation; wherein, when the fuel interface module is in use toprovide fluid communication from a fuel tank to a pressure regulator,the configuration of the fuel interface module permits gaseous fuel toenter the fuel interface module via the fuel storage fitting, then totravel through the body via the fuel channel without leaving the fuelchannel other than passing through the coalescing filter assembly, andthen to exit the fuel interface module via the fuel delivery fitting;and wherein, when the fuel interface module is in use to provide fluidcommunication from a fuel tank to a pressure regulator, theconfiguration of the fuel interface module permits fuel to enter andexit the fuel interface module without passing through any fittingsother than the fuel storage fitting and the fuel delivery fitting. 19.The fuel interface module of claim 18, wherein the fuel interface moduleis configured to permit gaseous fuel to flow within the fuel channel,without passing through any fittings, between or among a plurality offuel controlling or analyzing components including the check valve, theshutoff valve, and the coalescing filter assembly.
 20. The fuelinterface module of claim 18, wherein the filter port and the coalescingfilter assembly are spaced from the fuel storage port such that afterfuel enters the body via the fuel storage fitting, the fuel passesthrough the shutoff valve prior to passing through the coalescing filterassembly.
 21. The fuel interface module of claim 18, wherein the fuelchannel comprises a longitudinal section between a first end of the bodyand a second end of the body, wherein the fuel channel comprisesbranches extending from the longitudinal section;
 22. The fuel interfacemodule of claim 21, wherein each port is positioned at an end of one ofthe branches or an end of the longitudinal section.
 23. The fuelinterface module of claim 21, wherein each branch of the fuel channelextends transversely through at least a portion of the body.
 24. Thefuel interface module of claim 21, wherein each branch extends throughopposing sides of the body and each port is positioned at an end of oneof the branches, wherein each port is configured to be coupled witheither of a plug and a controlling or analyzing component, and whereinthe plug that seals an end of the branch can be moved to an opposite endof the branch such that the fuel interface module is reversible.
 25. Asystem comprising: a fuel tank; a pressure regulator; a fuel interfacemodule, wherein the fuel interface module is indirectly coupled to thefuel tank via a first portion of a fuel line, wherein the fuel interfacemodule is indirectly coupled to the pressure regulator via a secondportion of a fuel line, wherein the fuel interface module comprises: abody that comprises a fuel inlet port, a fuel storage port, a fueloutlet port, and a fuel channel that connects each port to the otherports; a check valve directly coupled with the fuel inlet port, whereinthe check valve permits a gaseous fuel to be introduced into the fuelchannel via the fuel inlet port and prevents a gaseous fuel from exitingthe fuel channel via the fuel inlet port; a shutoff valve directlycoupled with the body, wherein the shutoff valve transitions between anopen orientation and a closed orientation, wherein when the shutoffvalve is in the open orientation a gaseous fuel is permitted to flowfrom the fuel channel through the fuel storage port so as to fill thefuel tank or a gaseous fuel is permitted to flow from the fuel tankthrough the fuel storage port into the fuel channel for subsequentdelivery to the pressure regulator, and wherein when the shutoff valveis in the closed orientation a gaseous fuel is prevented from flowingthrough the fuel storage port; a fuel storage fitting directly coupledwith the fuel storage port, wherein the fuel storage fitting is directlycoupled with the first portion of the fuel line such that the fuelinterface module is indirectly coupled with the fuel tank via the firstportion of the fuel line; and a fuel delivery fitting directly coupledwith the fuel delivery port, wherein the fuel delivery fitting isdirectly coupled with the second portion of the fuel line such that thefuel interface module is indirectly coupled with the pressure regulatorvia the second portion of the fuel line; wherein the fuel interfacemodule provides fluid communication from a fuel tank to a pressureregulator when the shutoff valve is in the open orientation; wherein,when the fuel interface module is in use to provide fluid communicationfrom a fuel tank to a pressure regulator, the configuration of the fuelinterface module permits fuel to enter the fuel interface module via thefuel storage fitting, then to travel through the fuel interface modulevia the fuel channel, and then to exit the fuel interface module via thefuel delivery fitting; and wherein, when the fuel interface module is inuse to provide fluid communication from a fuel tank to a pressureregulator, the configuration of the fuel interface module permits fuelto enter and exit the fuel interface module without passing through anyfittings other than the fuel storage fitting and the fuel deliveryfitting.
 26. The fuel interface module of claim 25, further comprising acoalescing filter assembly directly coupled with the filter port,wherein the coalescing filter assembly filters oil from a gaseous fuelpassing through the fuel channel; wherein, when the fuel interfacemodule is in use to provide fluid communication from the fuel tank tothe pressure regulator, the configuration of the fuel interface modulepermits gaseous fuel to enter the fuel interface module via the fuelstorage fitting, then to travel through the body via the fuel channelwithout leaving the fuel channel other than passing through thecoalescing filter assembly, and then to exit the fuel interface modulevia the fuel delivery fitting.
 27. The fuel interface module of claim25, wherein the fuel interface module is configured to permit gaseousfuel to flow within the fuel channel, without passing through anyfittings, between or among a plurality of fuel controlling or analyzingcomponents including the check valve, the shutoff valve, and thecoalescing filter assembly.
 28. The fuel interface module of claim 26,wherein the filter port and the coalescing filter assembly are spacedfrom the fuel storage port such that after fuel enters the body via thefuel storage fitting, the fuel passes through the shutoff valve prior topassing through the coalescing filter assembly.
 29. The fuel interfacemodule of claim 25, wherein the fuel channel comprises a longitudinalsection between a first end of the body and a second end of the body,wherein the fuel channel comprises branches extending from thelongitudinal section.
 30. The fuel interface module of claim 29, whereineach branch extends through opposing sides of the body and each port ispositioned at an end of one of the branches, wherein each port isconfigured to be coupled with either of a plug and a controlling oranalyzing component, and wherein the plug that seals an end of thebranch can be moved to an opposite end of the branch such that the fuelinterface module is reversible.